Formula Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs

Qing Wei San

清胃散

Also known as:

Clear the Stomach Powder

Formula Composition

Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Sheng Ma
Sheng Ma
Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Di Huang
Di Huang
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Drains Stomach Fire
  2. Cools the Blood
  3. Nourishes the Yin

Patterns Treated

Stomach Heat or Fire, Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat

Historical Origin

Secrets from the Orchid Chamber (1336 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Qing Wei San

Main Actions

Drains Stomach Fire
Cools the Blood
Nourishes the Yin

Key TCM Concepts

Qing Wei San is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1336 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat from the Organs. Its main actions are: 1) drains Stomach Fire and 2) cools the Blood.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Qing Wei San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire or Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as stomatitis, periodontitis or glossitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Stomach Heat or Fire
  • Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat

Common Applications

Stomatitis Periodontitis Glossitis Trigeminal neuralgia Bad breath

Ingredients in Qing Wei San

Detailed information about each herb in Qing Wei San and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Huang Lian
Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Qing Wei San
In general Huang Lian's main actions are as follows: "Expels Damp-Heat especially in the Lower Burner. Eliminates Fire toxicity especially when there is associated Dampness. Acts as a sedative by eliminating Heart Fire. Eliminates Stomach Fire. Expel parasites"

In the context of Qing Wei San, it is used because it attacks the Stomach Fire and drains the accumulation of Heat.
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Sheng Ma
Sheng Ma

Bugbane rhizomes

Temperature Cool
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Qing Wei San
Sheng Ma raises and disperses the Heat and resolves toxicity. Discussion of Medicinal Properties, a Chinese medicine classic, lists it as a specific herb for toothache, ulcers, and festering sores in the mouth. Its synergy with Goldthread rhizome (Huang Lian) , the key herb in this formula, ensures that draining of Fire does not harm the Qi dynamic, and that the ascent of Yang does not further fan the rising Fire.
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Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi

Mudan peony bark

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Root barks
Role in Qing Wei San
Mu Dan Pi works together with Unprepared Rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang), another assistant herb here, to cool the Blood and nourish the Yin.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Qing Wei San
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."

In the context of Qing Wei San, it is used because it reduces swelling and alleviates pain by harmonizing the Blood.
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Di Huang
Di Huang

Unprepared Rehmannia

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Qing Wei San
In general Sheng Di Huang's main actions are as follows: "Expels Heat by Cooling Blood. Tonifies Yin by promoting Fluid production. Soothes the Heart by calming Blazing Fire. Cools and nourishes."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Qing Wei San

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in cases with toothache due to Wind-Cold, or tooth and gum problems due to Kidney Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Qing Wei San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.